istorytimehttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/7722/all
enWeekend Recap: AT&T Acquires Leap, Hulu Sale Off, Russian Carriers Drop iPhonehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/weekend_recap_att_acquires_leap_hulu_sale_russian_carriers_drop_iphone
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/hulu_banner_620px.png" alt="Hulu banner" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>From the outside looking in, Apple appears to be in trouble with the iPhone in Russia, one of the world's largest countries. Three major carriers there have turned their backs on the handset after five years, but is it a case of Apple being intentionally difficult because it has other plans -- such as its own retail stores there -- or are fickle Russians simply tired of paying too much money for the coveted smartphone? Time will tell, but let's get up to speed on the news in today's recap...</p><h3>AT&amp;T Acquiring Prepaid Carrier Leap Wireless</h3><p><a href="http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=24533&amp;cdvn=news&amp;newsarticleid=36744&amp;mapcode=corporate" target="_blank">AT&amp;T announced Friday</a> that it will acquire prepaid wireless provider Leap Wireless International Inc. for $15 per share in cash. Covering approximately 96 million people across 35 U.S. states, Leap operates a 3G CDMA network under the Cricket brand, but also has a 4G LTE network that covers 21 million customers. AT&amp;T plans to retain the Cricket brand name, which will now be served by AT&amp;T's own 4G LTE network, while expanding the brand to additional U.S. cities. AT&amp;T will also acquire PCS and AWS spectrum capable of covering 137 million people, and upon approval of the deal, plans to roll unused Leap spectrum into its own 4G LTE network, capable of covering 41 million customers.</p><h3>Hulu Won't Be Sold, Owners Inject $750 Million for Future Growth</h3><p>For the second time, the owners of Hulu have walked away from a potential sale. <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/12/4517998/hulus-owners-say-they-wont-be-selling-provide-750-million-for-future" target="_blank">According to The Verge</a>, joint owners 21st Century Fox, NBCUniversal and The Walt Disney Company will instead infuse the streaming video company with a new investment of $750 million in an effort to "help grow the site." Ironically, Fox founder Rupert Murdoch is said to have not wanted a sale in the first place, but initially bowed under pressure from the other partners. On the subject of Hulu's future, Murdoch said "I think it's a hell of a good business -- or it can be."</p><h3>Third Russian Carrier Drops iPhone, This Time for Samsung</h3><p>Last week we reported that Russia's largest wireless carrier, MTS, had dropped the iPhone in favor of Nokia's latest Windows Phone devices. <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-dealt-another-blow-in-Russia-third-major-carrier-quits-selling-iPhone-signs-with-Samsung_id45244" target="_blank">According to PhoneArena</a>, they're not alone, with both Megafon and Vimplecom (sold under the Beeline brand) also choosing not to renew their contracts with Apple. After five years, Beeline has instead chosen to sign a deal with Samsung, with the Korean manufacturer said to have offered "more favorable terms." However, the report notes that Apple may not care: According to Hi-Tech, "Apple is getting ready to open its own retail store chain in Russia and is not interested in having many third-party vendors." Apple recently opened its own online store in Russia for the first time, and brick-and-mortar retail stores have been rumored in recent years as well.</p><h3>Microsoft Cuts Surface RT Price by $150</h3><p><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/11/4514888/microsoft-surface-rt-tablet-price-cuts" target="_blank">The Verge is reporting</a> that Microsoft's ARM-powered Surface RT tablet is now available on the cheap, with the entry-level 32GB model slashed to $349.99, a $150 savings over the original $499.99 price. The price cut was confirmed by a Staples weekly ad that started appearing Sunday, and likely comes as a result of slow sales of the underperforming Windows RT tablet, which Microsoft recently attempted to foist upon educational customers for a mere $199 to clear out excess inventory. The company is also said to be on the verge of introducing new models of both the Surface RT as well as the more expensive (and more powerful) Intel-powered Surface Pro in the weeks ahead.</p><h3>DreamWorks Animation's Turbo Speeds Into Interactive Storybook</h3><p>The latest DreamWorks Animation 3D film speeds into theaters this week, and to celebrate, the folks at iStoryTime have just released an interactive storybook app that's already raced up the charts to become the top paid children's book for iPad. Best of all, the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/id668838081" target="_blank">Turbo Movie Storybook Deluxe</a> is a mere 99¢ -- a special introductory price that will only last for a limited time, so be like Turbo himself and get to the App Store like a flash if you want to save 75 percent on the companion storybook.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weekend_recap_att_acquires_leap_hulu_sale_russian_carriers_drop_iphone#commentsNewsacquisitionsAT&TBeelineHuluistorytimeLeap WirelessPrepaidprice cutsRussiaSamsungSurface RTweekend recapiPadiPhoneiPodMon, 15 Jul 2013 12:15:36 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17522 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Skype Video Messaging, Digg Previews RSS, Jobs in Paperbackhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_skype_video_messaging_digg_previews_rss_jobs_paperback
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/digg_reader_mobile_app_620px.png" alt="Digg mobile RSS reader" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Companies are racing to get their Google Reader replacements out before the plug gets pulled on July 1, with the latest announcement coming from Digg, which plans to unveil its solution next week. Will Digg's service rise to be the cream of the crop, or will the RSS landscape simply become a fragmented mess in the wake of Google abandoning its service? Time will tell...</p><h3>Skype Video Messaging Now Out of Preview</h3><p><a href="http://blogs.skype.com/2013/06/17/skype-video-messaging-catch-up-whenever-wherever/" target="_blank">The Skype Big Blog announced Monday</a> that the company's video messaging service is finally out of preview and now available as a free feature for all Skype users. Well, almost: Although the feature now works with Skype for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry, Microsoft's own Windows Phone platform is curiously absent from the list for now. For those who do have it, sending a video message is as simple as recording a video up to three minutes in length, then click or tap on the envelope icon and select a recipient. And did we mention it's completely free for an unlimited number of video messages?</p><h3>Digg Previews New RSS Reader, Coming Next Week</h3><p><a href="http://blog.digg.com/post/53203926175/digg-reader-update" target="_blank">The folks at Digg served up an update</a> to their previously-announced RSS reader announcement, which the company plans to roll out next week as a first version. "We’re doing the launch in phases because, as you might have guessed, RSS aggregation is a hard thing to do at scale, and we want to make sure the experience is as fast and reliable as possible," the blog post explains, noting that all users will have access by June 26. The beta release will provide easy migration from Google Reader (and just in the nick of time!) with "a clean reading experience" and mobile companion apps as well as "key actions like subscribing, sharing, saving and organizing." There's even more on deck for the 60 days after launch, so hit the link and see what's coming!</p><h3>Steve Jobs Bio Hits Paperback on Sept. 10 with New Cover</h3><p><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20130616/paperback-version-of-jobs-best-selling-bio-to-be-released-in-fall-with-new-cover-shot-of-young-steve/" target="_blank">AllThingsD reported Monday</a> that Walter Isaacson's official <em>Steve Jobs</em> biography will finally arrive in paperback form on September 10, according to publisher Simon &amp; Schuster. While a hardcover book hitting paperback isn't particularly newsworthy, the softcover edition will feature a new afterword as well as a new cover, this time of a younger Jobs in a similar "thumb-on-chin" pose, taken in 1984. After a nearly two-year wait, that alone might be enough to get die-hard Apple fans to buy a second time...</p><h3>Google Expands Chromebook Distribution at Retail</h3><p><a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/chromebooks-coming-to-more-stores-near.html" target="_blank">The Google Official Blog announced Monday</a> that the search giant is far from giving up on its Chromebook initiative -- in fact, it's expanding the retail reach for the little notebooks that could from Best Buy and Amazon.com all the way to Walmart, Staples and other retailers in the 10 international markets currently being served. U.S. retailers such as Office Depot, OfficeMax, Fry's and TigerDirect are also on deck to start selling the Chromebooks in the months ahead, but if you want one right away, Staples appears to be your best bet: Walmart won't have 'em until later this summer.</p><h3>iStoryTime's 4-in-1 Storybook App Now Free</h3><p>The folks at zuuka pinged us Monday to give readers a heads up that its <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istorytime-library/id509547477?mt=8" target="_blank">iStoryTime Library</a> app is now available absolutely free. Originally $2.99, the universal storybook app includes four free Read Aloud titles: The Giant Smurf, Madagascar, Ice Age and Robin Hood, and more than 20 additional titles are available from the parent's section for in-app purchase. Each title includes professional narration, licensed character audio and an interactive story experience, with the ability to preview each title before buying. iStoryTime Library consolidates all of the company's slick apps into one place, and now that's it free, parents can keep those little ones busy in the back seat during summer road trips.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_skype_video_messaging_digg_previews_rss_jobs_paperback#commentsNewsChromebooksDiggGoogle Readeristorytimeovernight recappaperbackRSS readersskypeSteve Jobsvideo messagingiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 18 Jun 2013 12:13:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17292 at http://www.maclife.comiStoryTime Releases The Croods Movie Storybook, 99¢ for Limited Timehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/istorytime_releases_croods_movie_storybook_99%C2%A2_limited_time
<!--paging_filter--><p><em><img src="/files/u220903/the_croods_movie_storybook_200px.png" alt="The Croods Movie Storybook" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />The Croods</em> invaded movie theaters this past weekend, racking up $43.6 million in box office receipts, and now iStoryTime is bringing the fun home with a movie storybook based on the DreamWorks Animation hit.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/croods-movie-storybook-deluxe/id617186835?mt=8" target="_blank">iStoryTime has announced the release of The Croods Movie Storybook app on Tuesday</a>, a narrated and interactive app for iOS and Android that ties directly into the latest DreamWorks Animation box office smash.<br /><br />As usual for iStoryTime, The Croods Movie Storybook isn't just about flipping pages -- the app features "Croods Couture" and "Survival Gear" activities, allowing the reader to customize character outfits and includes Auto Play, Read to Me and Read to Myself narration options with highlighted text and actual character voices from the film.<br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/croods-movie-storybook-deluxe/id617186835?mt=8" target="_blank"><br />The Croods Movie Storybook</a> is now available on the App Store as a universal app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad at an introductory price of only 99 cents.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/istorytime_releases_croods_movie_storybook_99%C2%A2_limited_time#commentsNewsApp StoreDreamWorks Animationintroductory pricingistorytimemovie storybookmovie tie-innarrationThe CroodsiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 26 Mar 2013 13:24:40 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16578 at http://www.maclife.comApocalyptic Recap: "The End is Not Nigh, But We're Going on Vacation Anyway" Editionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apocalyptic_recap_end_not_nigh_were_going_vacation_anyway_edition
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/solavei_featured_image.png" alt="Solavei" width="220" height="170" class="graphic-right" />Happy End of the World Day! If you're reading this, the predicted Mayan apocalypse did not occur and you can continue enjoying the holiday festivities with one less thing to worry about. However, your intrepid MacLife.com news recap reporter will be taking a much-needed hiatus over the next two weeks, so enjoy this final day of coverage before our return on January 7, 2013 -- and fear not, your diligent editors will have plenty of other fine content rolling out during the break to pass the time with. Happy holidaze, folks!</p><h3>Spotify, VEVO Arrive on U.S. Roku Players</h3><p>Are you a music lover hoping for a new Roku player this Christmas? If so, you'll be thrilled at this double blast of good news. First up is the announcement that streaming music provider <a href="https://www.spotify.com/us/blog/archives/2012/12/20/roku/" target="_blank">Spotify has finally arrived on Roku</a>, opening up a whole new world of music right on your TV. The only potential downside is that you'll need to be a paying Premium member ($9.99 per month) to gain access, but that isn't exactly a hardship for the real die-hards. <a href="http://www.vevo.com/c/EN/US/news/vevo-channel-now-available-on-roku" target="_blank">Music video service VEVO also has reason to celebrate</a>, because it's also being offered as one of more than 600 providers serving up content to the Roku. The addition of both services sure does make Apple TV look pretty anemic, but kudos to the Roku folks for pulling it off.</p><h3>T-Mobile Expands iPhone Coverage, Partners with Solavei</h3><p><a href="http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121220005843/en" target="_blank">T-Mobile has announced</a> another round of iPhone-friendly 4G coverage now being served up to 37 new markets including New York City, Los Angeles and points in-between. If you want T-Mo service but can't find any plan compatible with your wallet, the carrier has also announced a new partnership with <a href="http://www.solavei.com" target="_blank">Solavei</a>, which offers a $49 per month plan featuring unlimited voice, text and data along with the unique opportunity to earn recurring monthly income just by sharing with friends and family. Add a Trio of three members and you could get $20 per month back, just for sharing. Solavei is contract-free, and already counts more than 100,000 members nationwide among its ranks.</p><h3>Tiffen Updates Steadicam Smoothee for iPhone 5</h3><p>If you own a <a href="http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_smoothee_homepage1.html" target="_blank">Steadicam Smoothee</a> and have been bummed out that the camera mount was entirely too small for your swanky new iPhone 5, it's time to turn that frown upside down. <a href="http://www.tiffen.com/press_release_smoothee_iphone5.html" target="_blank">The Tiffen Company announced this week</a> that the popular mobile camera accessory is now ready for the iPhone 5, combining Apple's improved camera optics with the same technology used on $60,000 camera mounts in Hollywood. The iPhone 5 variation of the Steadicam Smoothee carries the same retail price of $169, and existing owners can purchase the mount by itself for only $24.95 from their favorite Tiffen retailer.</p><h3>iStoryTime Offers Free Smurfs, Ice Age Storybooks for Holidays</h3><p>'Tis the season for giving, and the folks at iStoryTime are indeed caught up in the Christmas spirit with not one, but two of their popular storybook apps now available absolutely free. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ice-age-movie-storybook-collection/id540453640?mt=8" target="_blank">Ice Age Movie Storybook Collection</a> serves up all of the prehistoric fun from the movies, while <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-smurfs-classic-series/id466417973?mt=8" target="_blank">The Smurfs Classic Series</a> is using the occasion to launch a new storybook called "Dreamy's Nightmare," available as an in-app purchase. Both storybook apps are universal builds so they'll work equally well on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, and include the first storybook free of charge.</p><h3>Tokyo PiPinator Plugin Makes FCPX Picture-in-Picture Simple</h3><p>Noise Industries has announced another fine addition to its FxFactory plugins for Final Cut Pro X with the release of <a href="http://tokyo-uk.com/fcpxeffects/pipinator.html" target="_blank">Tokyo PiPinator</a>, an advanced but easy to use solution for creative video users who need dramatic picture-in-picture effects. Combining the power of menu-driven animation with a wealth of useful features, FCPX editors can create elegant and original composites using videos, stills, titles or other graphics, all without the need to keyframe them. Tokyo PiPinator is now available through FxFactory for only $49, and a free trial download will let you try out the software before committing to a purchase.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apocalyptic_recap_end_not_nigh_were_going_vacation_anyway_edition#commentsNewsiphone 5istorytimeNoise Industriesovernight recapRokuSolaveiSpotifySteadicam SmootheeT-MobileVEVOiPadiPhoneiPodMacFri, 21 Dec 2012 12:00:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15857 at http://www.maclife.comSuzy's Zoo Storybook Collection Now Free for the Holidayshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/suzys_zoo_storybook_collection_now_free_holidays
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/suzys_zoo_storybook_collection_200px.png" alt="Suzy's Zoo Storybook Collection" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Parents are always seeking new ways to educate and entertain their kids, and the App Store is a veritable treasure trove of possibilities. Now, iOS owners can get a collection of storybook tales absolutely free for the holidays.<br /><br />iStoryTime has announced that its universal <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/suzys-zoo-storybook-collection/id567176669?mt=8" target="_blank">Suzy's Zoo Storybook Collection</a> app has gone free just in time for the holidays, ready to entertain kids of all ages with the whimsical adventures of Witzy.<br /><br />Suzy's Zoo is taken from the award-winning work of artist Suzy Spafford, who created Witzy the duck to help engage young readers and promote literacy with interactivity, animation and narration.<br /><br />The first book in the series to be featured is “Witzy’s Friends Forever,” which follows Witzy as he searches for a wishing puff to wish for all of his pals to be friends forever. The free app also includes two additional e-books, "Witzy's Sweet Tooth" and "Witzy's Bedtime," which can be purchased for $1.99 each right from within the app.<br /><br />Like all iStoryTime apps, Suzy's Zoo Storybook Collection isn't just about reading -- the app also features a coloring book, memory cards and puzzle to keep children entertained, narration options allow the user to have the book read to them in addition to reading it themselves or auto play.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/suzys-zoo-storybook-collection/id567176669?mt=8" target="_blank">Suzy's Zoo Storybook Collection</a> is now available free from the App Store; the universal app requires iOS 5.0 or later and is optimized for the iPhone 5.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/suzys_zoo_storybook_collection_now_free_holidays#commentsNewsapps for kidschildren's appsfree appsHolidaysistorytimestorybookSuzy's ZooUniversal AppsWitzy the Duckzuuka!iPadiPhoneiPodWed, 12 Dec 2012 14:28:32 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15789 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: SkyDrive Use Doubles, Facebook 5.2, iPad minis Stolen at JFKhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_skydrive_use_doubles_facebook_52_ipad_minis_stolen_jfk
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/skydrive_selective_sync_200px.png" alt="SkyDrive for Mac selective sync" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you preordered a cellular-equipped iPad mini or fourth-gen iPad, you might be among the first to have received one starting Thursday. With Apple's website still showing ship times of up to seven business days,&nbsp; you may have to forage through the retail wilderness this weekend in search of one… if you dare!</p><h3>SkyDrive Doubles Use, Adds Selective Sync to Desktop</h3><p><a href="http://blogs.windows.com/skydrive/b/skydrive/archive/2012/11/15/skydrive-usage-has-doubled-in-the-last-6-months-now-you-can-select-what-to-sync.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft's Inside SkyDrive blog announced</a> a milestone for the company's cloud storage service, with usage doubling in the six months since releasing sync apps across its various platforms. This week, the SkyDrive team is back with new updates which allow users to selectively choose which folders get synced back to the desktop, courtesy of updates to the Mac and Windows clients. The update is rolling out over the next day or so, but users can always <a href="https://apps.live.com/skydrive" target="_blank">hit the SkyDrive website to download and install them manually</a>.</p><h3>Facebook 5.2 for iOS Adds Sharing, Tagging, Emoji</h3><p>Since revamping their mobile app, Facebook is pushing out the updates with a renewed vigor, including <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8" target="_blank">a new version 5.2 that hit the App Store on Thursday evening</a>. The update offers new ways to share stories with others, including a new Share link for reporting stories from your news feed, the ability to tag friends in any post, comment or photo and at last, users can add smileys, hearts and other emoji in messages to your heart's content. The 14.6MB update is available now for your downloading pleasure.</p><h3>$1.5 Million in iPad minis Stolen from JFK Cargo Area</h3><p><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/ipad_heist_at_jfk_KUg25OxRZ3Xgpk58H7fXwJ" target="_blank"><em>The New York Post</em> reported Thursday</a> that "a pair of brazen crooks" drove off with $1.5 million worth of iPad minis from the very same cargo building where the 1978 Lufthansa heist featured in <em>GoodFellas</em> took place. The thieves struck just before midnight and used the airport's own forklifts to load up two pallets of the tablets, which could have been five if an airport worker returning from dinner hadn't scared them off. Police suspect an inside job and have been questioning airport workers, and remain at large at this time -- so, now is probably not the best time to go buying an iPad mini from Craigslist at a crazy low price.</p><h3>iStoryTime Unleashes Rise of the Guardians Storybook for iOS</h3><p>If you're planning to spend your Thanksgiving weekend catching <em>Rise of the Guardians</em> in theaters, iStoryTime has a little treat for you this weekend in the form of an interactive storybook app for iOS. With a special introductory price of only 99 cents, the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rise-guardians-movie-storybook/id556213260?mt=8" target="_blank">Rise of the Guardians Movie Storybook Deluxe</a> features auto play, read to me and read to myself narration along with genuine character audio from the film. The app also includes two bonuses: Russian Dolls, an in-app activity for creating customizable matryoshka dolls using the built-in camera of your device, and The Sandman, an animated alarm clock featuring Sandy, the Guardian of Dreams, complete with a snooze button.</p><h3>iPad mini, 4th-Gen iPad LTE Preorders Start Arriving</h3><p><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/11/15/first-pre-orders-of-lte-ipad-mini-and-fourth-generation-ipad-models-arriving-in-u-s/" target="_blank">MacRumors readers are reporting</a> their cellular-equipped iPad mini or fourth-generation iPad preorders started arriving on Thursday, a day earlier than expected. Apple hasn't said for sure when the cellular-capable iPads will start hitting retail stores, but today (Friday, November 16) is when AT&amp;T is supposed to be putting them onto their own shelves. Apple's online store is now showing an available to ship time of seven business days, should you be ready to pull the trigger without heading to a store.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_skydrive_use_doubles_facebook_52_ipad_minis_stolen_jfk#commentsNews4th generation iPadApp StoreFacebookiPad MiniistorytimeMicrosoft SkyDriveovernight recappreordersTheftiPadiPhoneMacThu, 15 Nov 2012 23:55:44 +0000J.R. Bookwalter15598 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: VOTE!!! The Game, PayPal + Discover, iStopMotion 3 for Machttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_vote_game_paypal_discover_istopmotion_3_mac
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/vote_the_game_200px.png" alt="VOTE!!! The Game" width="201" height="150" class="graphic-right" />A sixth-generation iPhone isn't the only thing many people are looking forward to this fall -- it's an election year, and that means political fever is at an all-time high! If you can't enough of the rallies and following the daily ups and downs of your favorite Presidential candidate, hit the App Store and help Rock the Vote with a free app that pits Obama against Romney in a light-hearted cartoon game -- then be sure to register to vote right from inside the app when you're done! Curious to know more? Then read on and find out all the news for this Wednesday, August 22, 2012.</p><h3>Free VOTE!!! The Game App Pits Obama vs. Romney in Slapstick Battle</h3><p>Epic Games and Chair Entertainment are taking a break from their epic Infinity Blade series to offer up a bit of free slapstick fun, courtesy of a new App Store release called <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vote!!!/id534309109?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">VOTE!!! The Game</a>. A cartoon-style political slugfest in partnership with Rock the Vote, VOTE!!! is not only fun but helps with a real-world cause, encouraging voters to register right from inside the app, as well as offering gamers the resources to engage in the political process during this ever-important election year -- regardless of which side you're on. The free universal app is now available on the App Store, compatible with all iPads, iPhone 3GS or better and third-gen iPod touch or higher running iOS 4.0 or later.</p><h3>PayPal Teams with Discover for Retail Payments</h3><p>On the heels of Square's tie-up with coffee mogul Starbucks, <a href="https://www.thepaypalblog.com/2012/08/paypal-teams-with-discover-to-bring-paypal-to-millions-of-in-store-locations-across-the-u-s-starting-in-2013/" target="_blank">PayPal has announced a partnership of its own with Discover</a>, which will bring the convenience, security and functionality of the online payment service to "millions of participating in-store locations starting in 2013." PayPal views the new deal as a logical extension of the company's trials at 16 different national retailers covering thousands of store locations across the country. If you have a PayPal account and want to get a taste of what the Discover experience might be like, head to your nearest Home Depot, Abercrombie &amp; Fitch or Jos A. Banks retail store today.</p><h3>Boinx Releases iStopMotion 3 for Mac, Special Intro Price Until August 31</h3><p><a href="http://www.boinx.com/istopmotion/mac/" target="_blank">Boinx Software has released iStopMotion 3 for Mac today</a>, a brand-new version of its stop-motion animation software which now allows iPhone, iPad or iPod touch owners to use their device as a wireless HD camera for creating movies using the free iStopMotion Remote Camera app. The company has consolidated all previous versions into the new release for one low introductory price of $29.99 until August 31, 2012, when the price jumps back to the normal $49.99. With support for the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, OS X Mountain Lion and integration with Final Cut Pro X, the new iStopMotion 3 for Mac is ready to serve from either the Mac App Store or the Boinx website.</p><h3>iStoryTime Launches New Ice Age Movie Storybook App Collection</h3><p>Fans of the 20th Century Fox animation classic <em>Ice Age</em> and its sequels will want to head to the App Store today, because iStoryTime has just released the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ice-age-movie-storybook-collection/id540453640?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Ice Age Movie Storybook Collection</a>. This universal 99-cent app includes the storybook for the original film, offering books for the sequels as an in-app purchase of only $2.99 each. Of course, the storybook collection is perfectly timed to the latest Ice Age: Continental Drift, which is now in theaters. Storybooks include character audio from the motion picture series, real images from the movies for an authentic experience and multiple narration options, making it perfect for the kids. The app requires a device running iOS 5.0 or later and is now available from the App Store.</p><h3>iPhone 5 Crafter Website Allows Users to Dream Up Their Ideal Handset</h3><p><a href="http://www.iphone5craft.com/" target="_blank">AppsRumors has announced a new website called iPhone 5 Crafter</a>, allowing users to create their perfect "iPhone 5" (i.e., sixth-generation iPhone) for fun -- and even enter to win a contest to receive the real thing when it's available, presumably next month. Will your handset be revolutionary or simply evolutionary? The choice is yours, but be careful: Just like following the rumor mills, you might wind up being disappointed with whatever Tim Cook and Company trot onstage back here in reality...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_vote_game_paypal_discover_istopmotion_3_mac#commentsNews20th Century FoxApp StoreBoinx Softwaredaily recapdiscoverIce AgeiStopMotionistorytimePayPalPoliticsiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 22 Aug 2012 21:19:30 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14872 at http://www.maclife.comiStoryTime Releases Madagascar 3 Movie Storybook Deluxe Apphttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/istorytime_releases_madagascar_3_movie_storybook_deluxe_app
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/madagascar_3_storybook_deluxe_200px.png" alt="Madagascar 3 Movie Storybook Deluxe app" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />The movie may soon be heading to second-run theaters, but kids can now relive all of the fun of DreamWorks Animation's <em>Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted</em> with a new interactive storybook from the folks at iStoryTime.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/madagascar-3-movie-storybook/id536295460?mt=8" target="_blank">iStoryTime has released <em>Madagascar 3</em> Movie Storybook Deluxe</a>, a new universal app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad which allows kids to relive all the excitement of the animated film long after they've left the movie theatre.<br /><br />Following the original plot of the movie, the Movie Storybook Deluxe app revs up the storytime experience with the “Afrosize Yourself” bonus feature that allows fans to utilize the face tracking features of iOS 5 to make themselves look like one of the new circus crew members in real time. Afrosize Yourself works with the back facing camera to capture their parents or their friends as well as front facing camera to take photos of themselves.<br /><br />Fans can also take to the air and test out their balancing skills with the new “Tight Rope” activity where they get to use the accelerometer capabilities of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to walk from one side to the other without falling.<br /><br />More than just a digital book, every page is enhanced with character audio from the movie and visual effects. Kids will love turning the lights off on Inspector Dubois and hearing Marty the Zebra scream with laughter.<br /><br />Featuring Auto Play, Read To Me, and Read To Myself narration options, <em>Madagascar 3</em> Storybook Deluxe follows Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe while they are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the comedic adventure. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent -- <em>Madagascar</em> style.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/madagascar-3-movie-storybook/id536295460?mt=8" target="_blank"><em>Madagascar 3</em> Movie Storybook Deluxe</a> is now available from the App Store for $4.99; the universal app is compatible with all devices running iOS 4.2 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/istorytime_releases_madagascar_3_movie_storybook_deluxe_app#commentsNewsApp Storeapps for kidsdreamworksistorytimekids gamesMadagascarstorybookstuff for kidsUniversal AppsiPadiPhoneiPodFri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:54 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14656 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: Verizon Killing Unlimited Data (Again), Retina MacBook Costshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_verizon_killing_unlimited_data_again_retina_macbook_costs
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/verizon_4g_lte_200px.jpg" alt="Verizon 4G LTE" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Still rocking grandfathered unlimited data through Verizon Wireless? Better enjoy it while it lasts, because the carrier plans to drive a stake through its heart when Big Red makes the switch to family data plans this summer. Should make good fodder for Sprint’s future marketing, since they continue to be the only U.S. carrier offering truly unlimited data plans. Meanwhile, here’s the rest of what’s making news for this Wednesday, May 16, 2012.</p><h3>Verizon Plans to Kill Grandfathered Unlimited Data When Data Sharing Arrives This Summer</h3><p><a href="http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/verizon-will-kill-grandfathered-unlimited-data-plans-push-users-data-share/2012-05-16" target="_blank">Fierce Wireless is reporting</a> that grandfathered unlimited data plans may soon go the way of the dinosaur, at least if Verizon Wireless CFO Fran Shammo has anything to say about it (and sadly, he does).&nbsp; Speaking at the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Telecom conference this week, Shammo explained that as its 3G data customers migrate to 4G LTE, Verizon will require data sharing plans that will not be compatible with the faster speeds, nor sharing between multiple devices. The move is part of the carrier’s plan to shift to a “revenue per account” metric, rather than the current model which measures individual users’ data usage. With shared data plans in the works for mid-summer, there’s likely to be a lot of unhappy veteran users longing for the unlimited data days…</p><h3>Retina MacBook Screens Could Cost Apple $100 More</h3><p><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57434966-37/retina-macbook-screens-already-here-and-pricey/" target="_blank">Cnet is reporting</a> that the Retina Display screens everyone assumes will soon find their way to the MacBook line could be a pricy endeavor for Apple -- almost $100 more, judging from component costs of 15.4-inch display panels already in the supply chain. The real question becomes, will Apple eat those costs or pass them on to Mac users in the form of increased prices? "What's clear is that Apple's pushing it. They're pushing panel makers to come out with higher resolution panels because they've created a market demand for it, starting with their phones, now going to their tablets," explains NPD DisplaySearch senior analyst Richard Shim. "Now what we're seeing in the supply chain is that they're going to move that to their notebooks, and it's becoming a premium feature." Apple currently spends $68 for the display panel of a 15-inch MacBook Pro, but that figure is estimated to balloon to $160 if and when the rumored Retina upgrade arrives. Would you be willing to fork over the extra dough, if push comes to shove…?</p><h3>Sprint CEO Claims iPhone Will Pay Off in 2015</h3><p><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20120516/sprints-hesse-well-make-money-on-the-iphone-eventually/" target="_blank">AllThingsD is reporting</a> that Sprint will likely continue to bleed red ink where the iPhone is concerned for three more years. That’s because the carrier made a whopping $15.5 billion commitment to Apple’s iconic handset over a four-year period -- meaning the company won’t make a profit from the iPhone until 2015. Sprint CEO Dan Hesse doesn’t seem too concerned, despite having to take a $3.25 million pay cut this month to appease investors unhappy with the deal. “We believe in the long term,” Hesse explains. “And over time we will make more money on iPhone customers than we will on other customers.” Assuming, of course, the third-place carrier can make it that long.</p><h3>Samsung Sheds $10 Billion Market Value Thanks to Apple Rumors</h3><p>If you’ve ever wondered just how fragile the stock market can be, look no further than a new DigiTimes rumor claiming that Apple recently placed a huge order for DRAM chips with Japanese firm Elpida -- and dealt a fatal blow to Samsung’s market value in the process. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/16/us-samsung-chips-idUSBRE84F0BT20120516" target="_blank">According to Reuters</a>, the rumor -- whether it’s true or not -- sent shares of Samsung Electronics Co. down more than six percent on Wednesday, “wiping $10 billion off the electronics giant’s market value” all at once. "It looks like Apple doesn't want to see Samsung and hynix dominate the chip market,” remarks Choi Do-yeon, an analyst at LIG Investment &amp; Securities. “Apple wants to maintain its bargaining power by keeping Elpida running.” Japan’s Elpida is currently running under bankruptcy protection as it attempts to restructure due to “tough market conditions and global competition.” Perhaps Apple just wants to level the playing field after watching Samsung continually ape its smartphone and tablet products?</p><h3>iStoryTime Offers Free Storybook App for Teacher Appreciation Month</h3><p>Did you know May is Teacher Appreciation Month? Makes sense, since this is the last month most students are in school before the summer vacation -- and their minds are probably on anything but studying. To celebrate the occasion, the folks at iStoryTime are offering their <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kung-fu-panda-2-storybook/id436082346?mt=8" target="_blank">Kung Fu Panda 2 storybook app</a> absolutely free through Sunday, April 20. Kung Fu Panda 2 is perfect for engaging children’s creativity and encouraging them to read in a variety of languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, German, French, Portuguese, Russian and Korean, so teachers and students across the globe may enjoy the adventures of Po. “Teachers are our super heroes,” said Woody Sears, founder of iStoryTime. “They are the foundation of our children’s education and we are extremely humble in honoring teachers worldwide by offering our Kung Fu Panda 2 storybook for free.” Hey, we just like the sound of free apps, but kudos to iStoryTime for recognizing the heroes, too.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_verizon_killing_unlimited_data_again_retina_macbook_costs#commentsNewsdaily recapData sharingistorytimeMacBookretina displayRumorsSamsungSprintunlimited dataVerizon WirelessiPhoneMacWed, 16 May 2012 20:09:41 +0000J.R. Bookwalter14083 at http://www.maclife.comThursday Recap: Apps ’n Games, Apps and More Games Editionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/thursday_recap_apps_%E2%80%99n_games_apps_and_more_games_edition
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/the_pirates_storybook_app_200px.png" alt="The Pirates! Band of Misfits Movie Storybook" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Seems like everyone has some big game or app news today, so with today being a rather slow news day anyway, today’s recap is all about apps and games -- but we couldn’t help but slip one app-related news story into the mix that should make Instagram fans chuckle. Can you spot it among the rest of the day’s news for Thursday, April 19, 2012?</p><h3>PopCap Unleashes “Major Update” to iOS Plants vs. Zombies Apps</h3><p>If you’ve been busy playing Plants vs. Zombies on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad all day, drop what you’re doing and head to the App Store! PopCap Games announced new updates to both the original small-screen version and the iPad-only HD app which delivers “the additional content, action and challenge that Apple smart device users have been anticipating.” <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plants-vs.-zombies-hd/id363282253?mt=8" target="_blank">The HD version</a> now includes three new game modes, four new mini-games, Game Center leaderboards, 28 new Game Center achievements, mystery sprouts and additional coin packs, while <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/plants-vs.-zombies/id350642635?mt=8" target="_blank">the iPhone/iPod touch model</a> now includes Vasebreaker game mode, four new Game Center achievements and an all-new Game Center leaderboard. The combined updates promise to bring the mobile apps “considerably closer” to the original Mac and PC editions. The updates are free for existing users, but some features require paid in-app purchases.</p><h3>Sony’s “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” Movie Sails Into Storybook App</h3><p>A new 3-D animated family comedy from Sony Pictures Animation is sailing into theatres on April 27, but iStoryTime is now offering a companion movie storybook app in the App Store for young readers to get a first look at the fun. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pirates!-band-misfits-movie/id512774194?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank"><em>The Pirates! Band of Misfits</em> Movie Storybook</a> app promises to tug at young readers’ imaginations, complete with a “Piratize Yourself” feature that allows them to utilize the face tracking features of iOS 5 for making themselves look like a pirate in real time. <em>The Pirates! Band of Misfits</em> follows the luxuriantly bearded Pirate Captain -- a boundlessly enthusiastic, if somewhat less-than-successful, terror of the High Seas. With a rag-tag crew at his side, and seemingly blind to the impossible odds stacked against him, the Captain has one dream: to beat his bitter rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz to the much coveted “Pirate Of The Year Award.” T<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pirates!-band-misfits-movie/id512774194?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">he Movie Storybook app is available now on the App Store</a> for an introductory price of only 99 cents -- but buy it while you can, because the price is going up to $3.99 soon! The 104MB download is a universal app compatible with iPads, iPhones and iPod touches running iOS 4.2 or later.</p><h3>Quake 4 Makes the Mac App Store Shake with Delight</h3><p><a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games/quake-4" target="_blank">Aspyr has announced</a> the launch of Quake 4 for Mac, now available for the first time in digital form. Gamers can choose to purchase the digital version from one of four outlets: Apple’s <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quake-4/id492135099?mt=12" target="_blank">Mac App Store</a>, <a href="http://www.Gameagent.com/" target="_blank">GameAgent.com</a>, <a href="http://www.macgamestore.com/product/2259/Quake-4/" target="_blank">MacGameStore</a> or Amazon.com, but the $19.99 price is the same, regardless of where you buy from. In Quake 4, Earth is under siege by the Strogg, a barbaric alien race moving through the universe consuming, recycling and annihilating any civilization in their path. In a desperate attempt to survive, an armada of Earth’s finest warriors is sent to take the battle to the Strogg home planet.&nbsp; You are Matthew Kane, an elite member of Rhino Squad and Earth's valiant invasion force. Fight alone, with your squad, or in hover tanks and mechanized walkers as you engage in a heroic mission to the heart of the Strogg war machine. Quake 4 Mac includes a strong single-player story along with online cross-platform multiplayer modes. Last but not least, Aspyr’s <a href="http://www.aspyr.com/games/rage-campaign-edition" target="_blank">RAGE: Campaign Edition is seeing a price cut to $29.99</a> from the same four digital outlets.</p><h3>Apple Senior VP Phil Schiller Dumps Instagram for Going Android</h3><p>The internet appears divided on the subject of Instagram’s recent Android port -- rarely has an app going cross-platform caused such a stir. <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2012/04/19/apple-marketing-svp-phil-schiller-dumps-instagram-over-expansion-to-android/" target="_blank">According to 9to5Mac</a>, one of those choosing to ditch the photo sharing service following the move is none other than Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller, who not only deleted his Instagram account but also told an inquiring Twitter follower than the service “jumped the shark” by going to the Android platform. The move shouldn’t be surprising considering Schiller is the head of Apple’s marketing efforts, but judging from his prior tweets, he’s been an avid fan of Instagram in the past, which was acknowledged most recent with an “App of the Year” award from iTunes. Does Phil know Twitter also has an Android app, we wonder…?</p><h3>Midway Arcade Adds iCade Support, Making It Even More Awesome</h3><p>Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced that its universal <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/midway-arcade/id476467441?l=es&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Midway Arcade</a> app is now compatible with iCade, the retro arcade-style cabinet designed for the iPad. As you may recall, this miniature wooden cabinet is perfectly sized for Apple’s tablet and connects via Bluetooth to bring a full-sized joystick and buttons for a genuine arcade experience. The 99-cent Midway Arcade app needs no introduction for retro gamers, offering such legendary titles as Defender, Joust and Rampage (plus seven others) in a virtual showroom which can be expanded with in-app purchases for two other game packs (99 cents each). The update is free for existing users, and you know where to find it.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/thursday_recap_apps_%E2%80%99n_games_apps_and_more_games_edition#commentsNewsApp Storedaily recapinstagramistorytimemac app storeMidway ArcadePhil SchillerPlants vs. ZombiesQuakeiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 19 Apr 2012 22:12:50 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13877 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: Google+ Tweaks, Free Storybook for Autism, Verizon Upgradeshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_google_tweaks_free_storybook_autism_verizon_upgrades
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/meet_biscuit_app_200px.png" alt="Meet Biscuit app" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Verizon Wireless customers often feel like they live in some kind of safe haven from the evils of Ma Bell (i.e., AT&amp;T) -- that is, until the Big Red carrier starts acting just like their competitor. The $30 upgrade fee has clearly irritated their most loyal users, but given how AT&amp;T charges $36 for the same thing, this controversy is likely to fade away until you actually have to fork over for a lust worthy phone. But that day isn’t today, so sit back and lower your blood pressure with some tech news for Wednesday, April 11, 2012.</p><h3>Google+ Gets Tweaked for “A Simpler, More Beautiful” Experience</h3><p>You may not be using Google+, but that doesn’t mean the search giant isn’t continually making improvements to it in your absence. <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/toward-simpler-more-beautiful-google.html" target="_blank">The Google Official Blog today announced</a> “a simpler, more beautiful” Google+ with enhanced navigation controls. Apps can now be dragged up or down to put them in the order you prefer, while hovering over certain apps reveals a new set of quick actions. The folks in Mountain View are also sprucing the joint up with “full bleed photos and videos that’ll make you really proud to post,” “a stream of conversation ‘cards’ that make it easier to scan and join discussions” and “an activity drawer that highlights the community around your content.” Last but not least, Google+ Hangouts gets a dedicated page with an always-updated list of invitations from the people in your Circles and a rotating billboard of popular hangouts. Are these changes enough to make you give up Facebook yet?</p><h3>iStoryTime Offers Free Storybook App Supporting Autism Awareness Month</h3><p>April is Autism Awareness Month, and developer iStoryTime is doing its part to contribute by making its <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meet-biscuit/id504012056?mt=8" target="_blank">Meet Biscuit</a> storybook app free through Sunday, April 15 on both iOS and Android. “We believe digital devices such as the iPad, iPhone and other devices are great tools to enhance the learning process,” said Graham Farrar, founder of iStoryTime. “The fact that we’ve received a large amount of feedback from parents with autistic children makes us feel that our efforts in reinventing the art of storytelling is making a positive difference.” Biscuit, a little yellow puppy, is a longtime family favorite with over 16 million copies in print, and the app includes a storybook as well as digital coloring book, memory game (iOS version only) and puzzle ready made for little fingers. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meet-biscuit/id504012056?mt=8" target="_blank">Meet Biscuit</a> is an 80.7MB download from the App Store and the universal app is compatible with all devices running iOS 4.3 or later.</p><h3>Kaspersky Lab Releases Flashback Trojan Removal Tool</h3><p>Apparently seizing upon an opportunity since Apple is dragging their feet getting their own solution pushed out, Russian antivirus film Kaspersky Labs has released the Flashfake Removal Tool. <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/04/11/antivirus-firms-release-free-tools-for-cleaning-macs-infected-by-flashback/" target="_blank">According to MacRumors</a>, the free Mac app “quickly and easily detects and removes the malware,” which is said to have afflicted upwards of 600,000 computers worldwide. The Mac-based tool follows Kaspersky’s release yesterday of a free web-based checker, which uses your computer’s UUID “to see if it has registered on the firm’s servers as an infected machine.” F-Secure, the company who first sounded the alarm on the Flashback trojan malware, is also offered their own free Flashback Removal app -- so there’s no shortage of ways to get rid of this sucker way before Apple gets its act together.</p><h3>Boinx Software Updates iStopMotion for iPad to Version 1.3</h3><p>MacLife recently reviewed the nifty <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/istopmotion-for-ipad/id484019696?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">iStopMotion for iPad</a> app, and one of the few complaints we focused on is how difficult it was to keep the tablet steady while you’re animating. Developer Boinx Software must have been reading our minds, because this week they’ve pushed out version 1.3, adding the ability to “now use the headset remote play/pause button to capture, both in iStopMotion and the iStopMotion Remote Camera app.” Awesome idea! The app has also been localized for French, Japanese and Chinese users and includes a new spinner in the top bar so you’ll know when the app is busy performing lengthy operations. Users creating larger movies will find the app now works a lot smoother overall, and some additional Retina Display graphics have been in thrown in for good measure as well. The update is free for existing users and $9.99 for new buyers, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/app/istopmotion-for-ipad/id484019696?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">now available in the App Store</a>.</p><h3>Verizon Follows AT&amp;T Into the Land of Pricier Mobile Upgrades</h3><p>Hope you’re not a Verizon Wireless customer ready to upgrade your tired old cell phone. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/11/us-verizonwireless-upgradefee-idUSBRE83A16S20120411" target="_blank">According to Reuters</a>, Big Red will start charging customers $30 per upgrade on top of the cost of the hardware itself, which is being at least partially blamed on high subsidies paid to Apple for each iPhone sold by the carrier. “Carriers pay such subsidies because devices like the iPhone help to attract new customers and boost revenue,” the report reveals. “However, upgrades can be less attractive to operators because despite paying a subsidy for the new device, mobile companies often get no extra revenue from existing customers who switch phones.” The $30 fee won’t kick in until April 22, so we wouldn’t wait much longer to grab that smartphone you’ve been lusting after -- and take heart, because rival AT&amp;T already socks its customers with a $36 upgrade fee. Ouch!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_google_tweaks_free_storybook_autism_verizon_upgrades#commentsNewsApp Storedaily recapFlashbackfree appsGoogle PlusiStopMotionistorytimeKasperskyupgrade feesVerizon WirelessiPadiPhoneMacWed, 11 Apr 2012 22:22:21 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13804 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: A Million iPhoto Users, Zynga Buys OMGPOP, Souvenir Apphttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_million_iphoto_users_zynga_buys_omgpop_souvenir_app
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphoto_for_ios_icon_200px.png" alt="iPhoto for iOS" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Good googly-moogly, it’s already hump day! And judging from social gaming giant Zynga, it must be a good one for the folks over at OMGPOP, whose popular Draw Something app (and 34 other titles) have just been snapped up in an acquisition. Anyone feeling up to acquiring an overworked tech blogger or two? We work really hard and we don’t require much care and feeding, honest! Well, no takers here, it seems… so let’s get busy spreading the news for this wonderful Wednesday, March 21, 2012.</p><h3>iPhoto for iOS Tops a Million Users in Under 10 Days</h3><p><a href="http://www.loopinsight.com/2012/03/21/iphoto-for-ipad-iphone-hits-1-million-users-in-less-than-10-days/" target="_blank">The Loop is reporting</a> that Apple’s new iPhoto for iOS app has already snapped up a million users, just shy of 10 days since its release. Before you ask, that figure is actual paying customers rather than downloads -- users who might have bought the app once and downloaded multiple times doesn’t count toward the total. At $4.99, that’s another $5 million in Apple’s already bulging coffers! (Chump change these days, we’re sure.) The good news is they’re not just taking a 30 percent slice of the pie as they do with third-party apps -- it’s all theirs.</p><h3>Zynga Snaps Up Company Behind Draw Something App</h3><p>If you had a hot new mobile game that’s already been downloaded 30 million times in only six weeks, what would your next move be? In the case of Draw Something developer OMGPOP, that would be selling the company to an even bigger competitor -- namely Zynga, the social gaming giant best known for those Facebook games all of your friends annoy you into playing. <a href="http://company.zynga.com/about/press/company-blog/omg-zynga-welcomes-new-member-family" target="_blank">The news was announced on the Zynga blog today</a> after rumors swirled across the internet in recent days, although neither company has publicly pinned a price tag on the acquisition. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/omgpop-sold-way-too-early-they-left-800-million-on-the-table-2012-3?op=1" target="_blank">Business Insider is saying somewhere between $180 and $210 million</a>, which Flurry CEO Simon Khalaf believes is $800 million too little. But it was apparently enough for overnight sensation OMGPOP, founded in 2006 but relatively obscure until recently, despite a catalog of 35 multiplayer social games to their name. Any way you slice it, it’s a lot of cash for a small game studio out of New York City, and CEO Dan Porter will be sticking around to manage Zynga’s East Coast interests.</p><h3>Souvenir Brings a Photo Album Experience to the iPad</h3><p>Sure, iPhoto for iOS is awesome (Apple sold a million copies, after all) and those new Journals are pretty slick, too. But what if you’d rather make an interactive book out of your photos, keeping them on your iPad rather than sharing them with the world? Metakine Inc. has just announced a new app called <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/souvenir/id493983988?mt=8" target="_blank">Souvenir</a> which does exactly that. Billed as “a nicer way to look at photos on your iPad,” the Retina Display-optimized app turns iPad photos into virtual photo books, with covers you design. Each album winds up as a book on a shelf, which you can “take down” with your fingers and flip through at your own leisure. Souvenir also cleverly includes a handy radio feature for selecting music from your device to play in the background as you browse. A variety of different themes complete the package. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/souvenir/id493983988?mt=8" target="_blank">Souvenir</a> is available now from the App Store for only 99 cents, and the 106MB app is compatible with all iPads running iOS 5.0 or later.</p><h3>China Leads in iOS, Android Activations Worldwide</h3><p>While most of the attention gets focused on Apple and Google slugging it out on domestic shores with iOS and Android, it seems China has quietly been racking up the activations. <a href="http://blog.flurry.com/bid/83261/China-Now-Leads-the-World-in-New-iOS-and-Android-Device-Activations" target="_blank">According to the Flurry Blog</a>, China ranked tenth in “application sessions” a year ago, closing out 2011 in second place for total devices. But “for the first time ever, China now leads in new smart device adoption (iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.)” China’s growth is so explosive, it’s nearly double that of the next fastest growing country, Argentina, and eclipses other giant nations such as Russia. But don’t get too cocky just yet, China: America is still the king when it comes to unit sales, with twice as many devices sold here -- for now.</p><h3>iStoryTime Debuts Biscuit’s Birthday Storybook App</h3><p>Biscuit is back with a new storybook app from iStoryTime and their partners at HarperCollins Children’s Books. Entitled <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/biscuits-birthday/id508959247?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Biscuit’s Birthday</a>, the fifth addition to the Biscuit series for iOS and Android finds that loveable yellow puppy inviting children to celebrate his birthday, complete with a digital coloring book, memory game (for iOS only) and puzzle that’s perfect for little fingers. Developed in-house by iStoryTime, every page of Biscuit’s Birthday features narration, animations and sounds, and beautiful illustrations by Pat Schories, which all come together to bring author Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s wonderful and popular book to life. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/biscuits-birthday/id508959247?ls=1&amp;mt=8" target="_blank">Biscuit’s Birthday</a> is now available from the App Store for only $2.99, and the 74.6MB download is compatible with all devices running iOS 4.2 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_million_iphoto_users_zynga_buys_omgpop_souvenir_app#commentsNewsacquisitionsApp Storedaily recapDraw SomethingFlurryiPhotoistorytimeOMGPOPSouvenirstorybookzyngaiPadiPhoneWed, 21 Mar 2012 22:18:59 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13606 at http://www.maclife.comiStoryTime Debuts Universal Wee Sing & Learn ABC Apphttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/istorytime_debuts_universal_wee_sing_learn_abc_app
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/wee_sing__learn_abc_200px.png" alt="Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you have a preschooler, you’re no doubt familiar with Wee Sing, a beloved children’s brand that has taught through music for more than three decades. With more than 60 million books, albums and live-action videos sold, there’s one area the company was absent from -- until today.<br /><br />zuuka’s iStoryTime has announced the availability of <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fwee-sing-learn-abc%252Fid502708985%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC" target="_blank">Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC</a> for iOS, a $3.99 universal app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch which taps into the bestselling Wee Sing children’s brand for an entertaining and educational new tool combining original music, animated animals and musical instruments from A to Z as well as read-along text for parents to have fun helping their kids learn the ABCs.<br /><br />“We all know how important the ABC song is to learning the alphabet, especially at an early age,” said Graham Farrar, founder of zuuka. “The Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC App offers audio and visual cues to engage children and get them excited about the alphabet and more than anything, it encourages exploration and learning retention for one of the foundations of education -- the ABCs.”<br /><br />Music educators Pam Beall and Susan Nipp, the creators of Wee Sing, understand that kids love to learn through music and repetition. "The interactive graphics, narration, and music in this app will enhance their language development, listening skills, and retention in such a fun way," said Nipp. Beall adds, "The Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC app effectively teaches letters and language through the use of music along with charming animation and genuine sounds to explore."<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fwee-sing-learn-abc%252Fid502708985%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC" target="_blank">Wee Sing &amp; Learn ABC</a> is available now in the App Store for an introductory price of only $2.99 and requires an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad running iOS 4.2 or later; the 61.7MB download is a universal app.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/istorytime_debuts_universal_wee_sing_learn_abc_app#commentsNewsApp StoreChildreneducational appsinteractiveistorytimelearningmusic appspreschoolWee Singzuuka!iPadiPhoneiPodThu, 01 Mar 2012 14:00:51 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13424 at http://www.maclife.comTuesday Recap: Verizon Quarterly Loss, Steve Jobs Plane, Biscuit’s Valentine’s Dayhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_verizon_quarterly_loss_steve_jobs_plane_biscuit%E2%80%99s_valentine%E2%80%99s_day
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/virgin_america_steve_jobs_plane_200px.jpg" alt="Virgin America Steve Jobs plane" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />So yeah, Apple still has the moxie to rake in the big bucks, as you’ve no doubt heard from Cupertino’s fiscal first quarter results earlier today. We can’t help but think that this bubble has to burst eventually, but hey, it’s a wild ride while it lasts, right? Unfortunately for U.S. carrier partner Verizon Wireless, the quarterly financials weren’t quite as rosy. Ready to find out more? Then read on and discover all the news that’s fit to print for this Tuesday, January 24, 2012.</p><h3>Verizon Blames Quarterly Loss on Pensions, Subsidy Costs</h3><p>We all know that Apple just clocked in another record quarter with 37.04 million iPhones sold -- and <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-24/verizon-posts-loss-on-pension-costs-as-rising-iphone-sales-boost-expenses.html" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>, 4.3 million of those were activated last quarter on Verizon Wireless. Unfortunately, the Big Red carrier’s news wasn’t all rosy, with total smartphone sales of 7.7 million -- about 1.5 million shy of analyst projections. Despite total sales of $28.4 billion (a 7.7 percent increase over last year), Verizon as a whole lost $2.02 billion last quarter compared to its $2.64 billion profit a year ago, which the company blamed on handset subsidies paid out to wireless customers.</p><h3>Inside Apple: The Secret Packaging Room</h3><p>Fortune writer Adam Lashinsky’s book <em>Inside Apple</em> hits stores tomorrow, and much like Walter Isaacson’s official bio on Steve Jobs, nuggets of information have been leaking out in the last week or so in advance of the release. <a href="http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/79642" target="_blank">According to NetworkWorld</a>, one such detail outlined in the book examines a room in Apple’s headquarters dedicated to product packaging -- a secret area “only accessible to a select few with the requisite security badges” for the purpose of testing boxes. “To fully grasp how seriously Apple executives sweat the small stuff, consider this: For months, a packaging designer was holed up in this room performing the most mundane of tasks -- opening boxes,” Lashinsky reveals. The attention to detail even extends to the unboxing experience as well. “One after another, the designer created and tested an endless series of arrows, colors, and tapes for a tiny tab designed to show the consumer where to pull back the invisible, full-bleed sticker adhered to the top of the clear iPod box,” Lashinsky writes. “Getting it just right was this particular designer's obsession. What's more, it wasn't just about one box. The tabs were placed so that when Apple's factory packed multiple boxes for shipping to retail stores, there was a natural negative space between the boxes that protected and preserved the tab.” Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who’s owned an Apple product...</p><h3>Readdle Serves Up PDF Expert 3.2 for iPad with Full Text Search</h3><p>It’s no secret that the iPad makes a great vehicle for reading and even editing PDF files, which is why developer Readdle continues to innovate with their <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fpdf-expert-fill-forms-annotate%252Fid393316844%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;PDF Expert - Fill forms, annotate PDFs" target="_blank">PDF Expert for iPad</a>. The company just pushed out a new version 3.2 update, adding full text search across your entire PDF library -- no more simply searching by file name, the complete text of every PDF document inside the app is available to you. PDF Expert 3.2 also adds a new sorting panel for reordering files based on Name, Date or Modified Date, along with support for the Tab and Arrow keys on Bluetooth keyboards while filling out PDF forms for lightning-quick text entry. Last but not least, the update introduces a new Eraser tool for your handwriting, located in the Pens toolbar. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fpdf-expert-fill-forms-annotate%252Fid393316844%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;PDF Expert - Fill forms, annotate PDFs" target="_blank">PDF Expert 3.2 is available now from the App Store</a> for only $9.99, and is a free update for previous owners.</p><h3>Virgin America Christens Plane with Famous Steve Jobs Quote</h3><p>The late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs left us with many memorable quotes, but somewhere near the top of that list resides “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57364388-93/virgin-america-pays-tribute-to-steve-jobs-with-jet-name/?part=rss&amp;tag=feed&amp;subj=News-Apple" target="_blank">According to Cne</a>t, the expression now has a new lease on life, with the words emblazoned on the side of a new Airbus A320 aircraft as part of the Virgin America fleet (photo above, if you don’t mind squinting).“"The 'Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish' aircraft name was actually submitted as a tribute to Mr. Jobs by one of our employees in an internal plane naming competition," Virgin America spokesperson Abby Lunardini explained to CNET on Monday.“"The idea behind Virgin America was to reinvent the travel experience by thinking differently about design and service--we are known for the tech-forward amenities we offer onboard.” Considering Virgin’s presence in Silicon Valley and the company’s “fleet-wide Wi-Fi with touchscreen entertainment and power outlets at every seat,” we think Jobs would approve.</p><h3>iStoryTime Hearts “Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day”</h3><p>Ready to introduce your child to the forthcoming Valentine’s Day in a special way? zuuka’s iStoryTime line has just published a new title together with HarperCollins Children’s Books entitled <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fbiscuits-valentines-da%252Fid493390082%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day" target="_blank">Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day</a>. Available as a $2.99 universal app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, the title is also making its debut on the Amazon Appstore for the Kindle Fire as well as Barnes &amp; Noble’s Nook Color and Nook Tablet devices. The story follows that loveable puppy Biscuit as he delivers “sweet puppy love” to his special friends, including Daisy, Puddles, Grandma and Grandpa. "Biscuit has been a family classic for almost two decades and for good reason as the lovable yellow puppy teaches children life lessons such as how important it is to give rather than receive," said Woody Sears, founder of zuuka. "We're very excited to add another Biscuit book to the iStoryTime library and look forward to many more." The app includes fully animated Read to Me and Read to Myself modes, memory and puzzle games as well as a sticker and coloring book, all wrapped up neatly in a 110MB app that’s <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fbiscuits-valentines-da%252Fid493390082%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Biscuit’s Valentine’s Day" target="_blank">available for download from the App Store today</a>.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of Cnet)</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_verizon_quarterly_loss_steve_jobs_plane_biscuit%E2%80%99s_valentine%E2%80%99s_day#commentsNewsApp StoreApple Inc.daily recapistorytimePDF ExpertreaddleSteve Jobstrade secretsVerizon WirelessvirginiPadiPhoneTue, 24 Jan 2012 23:41:35 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13160 at http://www.maclife.comThe Smurfs Invade Your iOS Device with iStoryTime Movie Storybookhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/smurfs_invade_your_ios_device_istorytime_movie_storybook
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/smurfs_movie_storybook_200px.jpg" alt="The Smurfs Movie Storybook" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Those loveable blue Smurfs are about to leap from television history onto the big screen this week, and what better way to celebrate their theatrical arrival than with an iOS storybook featuring exclusive images and audio from the movie?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.istorytimeapp.com/" target="_blank">iStoryTime has announced</a> the availability of their latest title, <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fthe-smurfs-movie-storybook%252Fid449796732%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;The Smurfs Movie Storybook - Children's Book" target="_blank">The Smurfs Movie Storybook</a>, now available as a universal app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The $2.99 app leads up to the big-screen adaptation of The Smurfs hitting theatres on July 29, with a preview of exclusive images and voiceovers from the film.<br /><br />The Smurfs Movie Storybook follows the magical little creatures Papa Smurf, Grouchy, Brainy, Clumsy, Gutsy, and Smurfette on their exciting and unimaginable journey to a faraway land called New York City. Fleeing the Evil Wizard Gargamel and his sneaky cat Azrael, the six Smurf friends end up in the apartment of a young couple that is equally surprised by their arrival. With their special humor and a great heart, the Smurfs turn their world upside down and bring fun and action to their everyday routine.<br /><br />Among the fun features in the iStoryTime app is a “Spot-The-Mistakes” game, featuring three separate scenes which promise to challenge the concentration and eagle eyes of Smurf fans of all ages. Each scene contains two side-by-side image from the film with one of them missing several items that need to be found. Once found, users simply tap on the missing item to complete the scene and win the game.<br /><br />“We’re very excited to bring some of the most beloved little blue characters in history to the iOS platform,” said Graham Farrar, co-founder of iStoryTime. “The Smurfs are a favorite of my family, as they have been for generations, and we’re sure parents and their children will enjoy the new storybook app.”<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fthe-smurfs-movie-storybook%252Fid449796732%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;The Smurfs Movie Storybook - Children's Book" target="_blank">The Smurfs Movie Storybook</a> is available now from the App Store for only $2.99; the 61.5MB download is a universal app compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/smurfs_invade_your_ios_device_istorytime_movie_storybook#commentsNewsApp Storeistorytimelicensedmovie tie-instorybookThe SmurfsUniversal AppsiPadiPhoneiPodWed, 27 Jul 2011 13:01:04 +0000J.R. Bookwalter11830 at http://www.maclife.com